You love your dog. Your dog loves to play. A routine trot around the block will do on a regular day, but there’s nothing like ditching the leash for a good old romp through a grassy field, doing a doggie paddle through a pond or joining on an impromptu puppy party with new friends. Whether your local spot is just a w-a-l-k away or your pet could use a change of scenery, here are some Greater Cincinnati dog parks to check out with your best four-legged friend.
Please note that general etiquette applies at all of these parks: clean up after your dog; do not bring an aggressive dog into the park; females in heat should avoid dog parks; your dog must be properly vaccinated. Most public parks are open dawn to dusk.
Public Dog Parks
Otto Armleder Dog Park
Features: 10 acres, designated spaces for large and small breeds (less than 22 pounds), a canine shower, dog drinking fountain, benches and shade. 5057 Wooster Pike, Linwood, greatparks.org.
Kellogg Park Dog Field
Features: Four acres, frost-free drinking fountain, an ArtWorks artist mural and entrance access system. 6701 Kellogg Ave., Anderson, andersonparks.com.
Doris Day Dog Park
Features: Two acres, agility equipment, water hose and splash pools, picnic tables, shade and separate areas for small and large breeds. 3006 Westwood Northern Blvd., Westwood, facebook.com/dorisdaydogpark.
Fido Field
Features: Half-acre, shade, benches, provided plastic doggie bags, grass, turf and gravel areas. 630 Eggleston Ave., Downtown.
Washington Park
Features: Water creek, water fountain, benches, tunnel, granite boulders to pee on, astroturf, near the concessions stand and porch for alcohol and snacks (concessions are open in favorable weather). 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.
Newport Dog Park
Features: A new location is coming this spring behind the Campbell County Library Newport Branch with exercise elements, a separate small dog area, pet-friendly benches and walking/jogging/strolling paths. E. Fourth Street and Providence Way, Newport, facebook.com/newportdogpark.
UPDATE: The new Newport Dog Park is now open. Read more.
Highland Hills Dog Park
Features: Grass and mulch, wooded area, benches and a separate small dog area. 199 Mayfield Ave., Fort Thomas, ftthomas.org.
Summit Park
Features: Grassy fenced area, dog-height water fountains, nearby observation tower, children’s play areas and restaurants. 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, summitparkblueash.com.
Simmonds Family Dog Park
Features: 11 acres, four separate fields including an all-season play field, shade, benches, agility equipment and a small dog area. 8715 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Cleves, greatparks.org.
Wiggly Field Dog Park at Voice of America Park
Features: Separate areas for large and small dogs, benches, water fountains and drinking bowls, picnic tables and shade structures. 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester, yourmetroparks.net.
Schappacher Dog Park
Features: 38,000-square-foot dog run and two separate areas for large and small dogs. 4686 Old Irwin Simpson Road, Mason, deerfieldrec.com.
Symmes Township Bark Park
Features: Fenced grassy area and nearby walking trails. 11600 Lebanon Road, Symmes Township, symmestownship.org.
Private Dogs Parks
When your pampered pooch requires an experience a step above the rest, these private parks provide elevated amenities and fun for members and their doggos (for a fee).
Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa
Red Dog’s Red Dog Park boasts three green acres of grassy play areas and rolling wooded hills for the ultimate outdoor doggy experience. With plenty of room to roam, the park also features walking trails, play tunnels and climbing structures and water fountains for worn-out pups and their two-legged companions alike. To enter, use a personal access code provided when your application is accepted. 5081 Madison Road, Madisonville, reddogpetresort.com.
Wags Park
Energetic pups can play, run, roll and swim at the seasonal Wags Park (the season runs April to October). After tiring themselves out on the multi-level doggie playset (complete with ramps, decks and bridges), dogs can cool off under the Doggie Doge Dancing Fountain or in the spring-fed Lake Wags. The park is lit at night for extended hours and hosts Yappy Hour events and themed days. All dogs must pass a temperament test. 3810 Church St., Newtown, wagspark.com.
Kennel Resorts
Situated on a seven-acre wooded property, your adventurous furry companion doesn’t have to book a stay at doggie daycare to enjoy this dynamic play area/waterpark duo. Cedar Grove features tunnels, a sand box and a play set. Dogs can take a dip in the curiously Caribbean-colored waters of Beagle Bay and get their paws wet under water cannons and a trickling waterfall. All dogs must pass a temperament test to join the park. 5825 Meadowview Drive, Milford, kennelresorts.com.
